Eric Bernard Jefferson

Eric Bernard Jefferson (Brother J) of Fort Myers, Fl, passed away on August 22, 2023.

Eric was born on March 25, 1962 to James and Rosalyn Jefferson in Chicago, IL. After Eric graduated from Therrell High School in 1980, he joined the navy and earned the Broaden Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training (BOOST) scholarship.   

Eric successfully completed the BOOST program in 1981 and earned a Navy scholarship to Savannah State College. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1985, he did a brief stint at sea before getting accepted into Aviation Officer Candidate School (AOCS) in 1987.  

Eric completed a rigorous Navy flight school and received his pilot wings in 1989. He was stationed then in Brunswick ME, where he flew the P3C Orion airplane until 1993.  

Eric then fulfilled another dream; He was an Atlanta Police Officer for several years. In 2004 he returned to his passion - aviation - where he was a commercial airplane pilot Captain, flying for Mesa Airlines for 19 years.  

Eric’s other passions were bowling, tennis, exercising, basketball, football, scrabble, and sudoku. A man of many gifts, he had the intelligence to win a school spelling bee, solve complex mathematical problems quickly, and score very high on standardized tests.  He had the motor skills to fly airplanes, excel in sports, and be a sharp shooter.  He had the stamina to run long distances, play in tennis tournaments, and play basketball for hours.  He had the courage to become a police officer, speak up when others remained silent, and stand up for what was right.  

Eric had a way of making you laugh, making you think and making you compete.  He remembered everything … telephone numbers, names, dates, titles, conversations … everything. He left a lasting impression on everyone who was fortunate to know him. His optimism and free spirit helped him to live life to its fullest.  

Eric committed his life to Christ and dedicated his time and his heart to  worshipping the Lord and serving His Kingdom.  

Eric was predeceased by his mother and his father.  He leaves to cherish his memory one sister, Angela Elaine Fears of Atlanta, GA; one niece, Cecily Fears Russell (Jeffrey) of Nesbit, MS; his best friend Jamie Shelton (Janis) of Atlanta, GA; his girlfriend Cassondra Preer Taylor of Fort Myers, FL; 2 great nephews, Justin and Jonah Russell; and a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. 

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